Debra Van Tuinen is an internationally recognized American painter, printmaker, teacher, and arts advocate. She happens to live in Olympia. People can view a retrospective of her work at the Washington Center. Van Tuinen will also have a curated space at the Seattle Art Fair. “All that I experience and see becomes part of my work. How I respond physically, spiritually, and intellectually embodies the spirit of my work,” she notes.
Much of her work is a study of light, texture, atmosphere, and water. One might see fog breaking, sun or moon on water, and feel the glow from the inside out. “I love the water,” Van Tuinen explains as a skier, sailor and world traveler. Van Tuinen uses a mix of innovative and ancient processes such as wax encaustic, which is where hot beeswax, damar tree resin, and pigments are layered on wood panels. She also uses a mix of paint and ink with oil over acrylic layers while using a variety of brushes. The waxy luster of encaustic painting makes for a lasting, luminous finish.
Van Tuinen Art, both the workspace and gallery, is located in downtown Olympia near the waterfront.
You can make an appointment by calling 360.402.6517. Debra hosts special engagements in her space for demonstrations.
vantuinenart.com
Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Debra Van Tuinen Retrospective: Five Decades of Artwork from 1977 to the Present
July 16-October 4, 2026
Viewers can see the evolution of her many years of creation in diverse mediums. There will be early etchings and drawings, multi-layered wax encaustic works, and large-scale abstract landscape paintings. It’s easy to notice the Pacific Northwest environment influence. Sizes vary from small block prints to impressively large works. The showing also includes a charcoal self-portrait.
washingtoncenter.org
The Seattle Art Fair at Lumen Field Event Center
July 23-26, 2026
The fair is an expansive event with various installations of modern and contemporary art. Van Tuinen has a long history with the fair as she has shown in many international galleries. The venue will have food trucks, concept shows, and bars hosted by regional culinary partners.
seattleartfair.com
BY MARY ELLEN PSALTIS